Vocations
A vocation is a set of three crafting
professions. Each vocation has a gathering profession, a production profession, and a third profession of either type. You can choose a vocation after reaching Level 5 by speaking with a Master of Apprentices in a crafting center. You may change vocations later, if you change your mind, but you will lose any experience gained in those professions which would not exist in the new vocation.
The vocation system is designed to encourage community inter-dependence by making some professions dependent on others for subcomponents. Because of this, many of the vocations naturally complement others.
Vocation Professions
The following table shows the professions (top row) associated with each vocation (left column).
Armourer
Armourers can create a wide variety of armour, but they specialize in heavy armour and shields. As capable miners and smelters, they can procure and prepare the metal they need; they can also craft clothes and leather armour, but will need to trade for the tanned hides required to create these items. This is an excellent choice of trade for one who relies on heavy armour and shields.
The forces of the Free People are outnumbered, and the might of the Enemy's forces is evident. A skilled warrior must not only defeat his opposite number, he must survive! To do so requires an Armourer, to creat defensive gear that can turn aside a Troll's blade if need be! A skilled Armourer is both a Metalsmith and a Tailor, and can gather his own metals via Prospecting.
Armsman
Armsmen are capable of crafting any weapon their fellow adventurers might ever need, so this is an excellent vocation for anyone who relies on their fighting abilities. An Armsman is proficient in mining and smelting, but will need to trade for wood with which to make bows, spears, and the like.
Explorer
Explorers are resourceful folk who can live off the land, crafting leather armour and clothing while gathering anything useful they come across. Explorer is an excellent choice for anyone who wears Light or Medium armour, or wants to specialize in resource gathering.
Historian
Historians are unique in their access to the Scholarly arts, which allows them to research ancient lore and use their discoveries to the advantage of their fellows. In addition, a Historian has the more practical talents of cultivating land and forging the blades that are so often spoken of in the histories they study.
The world of Middle-earth is ancient and varied, and for we Historians, our goal is to understand it, from the mystical to the mundane. A Historian has three main areas of study. First and foremost, we are students of Scholarly arts, focused on collecting relics of earlier ages and putting that knowledge to practical use. In addition, our studies of historical weapons have led us to learn their craft, and our near universal appreciation for pipe-weed has led many of us to learn the secrets of its cultivation.
Tinker
A Tinker’s greatest skill is that of jewelcraft, and a skilled Tinker can create baubles of both beauty and utility. Tinkers can harvest the precious metals and stones they needs for their work, and given the long hours this trade requires, it’s a good thing that a Tinker is also a fair hand at preparing a hearty meal!
As the third age rises, decay of the great races surrounds us. And yet, there is still a place for us to create new wonders from the ashes, be they lasting jewels, or the simple pleasures of fine meals.
Woodsman
Woodsmen are the foremost bowyers in Middle-earth, and are capable of crafting fine weapons from the raw wood they gather and treat. Their knowledge of plants and nature also makes them proficient Farmers. Woodsman is an excellent choice of vocation for anyone who wants to create their own mighty bows.
A woodsman knows the secrets of survival- in a dangerous world, we know that the best defenses are a swift bow and the ability to endure. A woodsman has three primary skills of note: the ability to gather and process wood, the skill to craft that wood into fine weapons and tools, and the knowledge to plant and harvest a bounty of food.
Yeoman
Yeomen are the salt of the earth, tilling soil and preparing food with age-old skills and knowledge. They can also create clothes and leather armours, but need to trade their produce for the hides required.
Not all heroes are known by their skill at arms, or ancient knowledge. In this difficult time, hard work is a heroic trait by itself, and a Yeoman knows that lives are staked on the backs of honest labourers. As a Yeoman, you will farm, cook, and make simple armour that will provide the foundations of life for the good people of Middle-earth.